The state’s ailing budget will take precedent, but Republicans will have time to tackle other issues, including gay marriage, abortion and illegal immigration, when the new legislative session begins, said newly elected Speaker Pro Tem Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth.
Folwell, who won his fourth term in the November election, was voted Nov. 20 into what is basically the No. 2 spot in the House leadership hierarchy. As speaker pro tem, he’ll get to hold the gavel from time to time, overseeing formal sessions in the House of Representatives when new Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenberg, is out of the room.
He’ll also help push the new majority’s agenda when the session starts Jan. 26, and make sure the largest freshman class in North Carolina House history – a product of the historic Republican takeover earlier this month – knows what it’s doing. With his number-crunching skills – Folwell is an accountant by trade – it’s a good bet he’ll be heavily involved as the GOP looks for cuts to help balance a $3 billion-plus hole in next year’s state budget.
Full Story from The Winston-Salem Journal
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